Principal's news

Dear Parents,

Our School certainly made a Positive Impact in two key events this month. Oakleigh Grammar hosted the National Schools Event (NSE) involving the seven Australian Greek Orthodox schools after a three year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. 

The wait was certainly worth it as there was great excitement, energy and positivity emanating from our students. The key purpose of the annual NSE is to bring like-minded students together in healthy and competitive sports competition, creative arts performances and celebration of Hellenic culture. I was very proud of all Oakleigh Grammar representative students for the way in which they embraced and welcomed our guests. Congratulations is extended to all teams and in particular, our championship winning teams of Boys Basketball, coached by Dr Jim Kalfas and Girls Volleyball coached by Mr Michael Wengier. 

A highlight of the NSE is always the gala dinner, which was held after the creative arts presentations, which were inspirational. It was wonderful to see all students combine in solidarity and harmony and having a lot of fun on the dance floor, dancing to the best of Greek music. Both Bishops Kyriakos and Bishop Evmenios were in attendance, which made this occasion even more special. 

I take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the NSE facilitator, Mr Greg Joyce and all staff who supported him to ensure this event was a success.

The second key event this month was the grand opening of the NP Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence, coinciding with our school and community’s anniversary celebrations. A gymnasium packed with community and key stakeholders for the official opening added to the importance of this celebration. The Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios Griniezakis presided over the Sts. Anargiri church service and conducted the Blessing and Dedication of the new Centre. The Archbishop and our local member, the Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP along with the Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Mr Spiro and Mr John Nikolakakis, our Board Chair, Mr Chris Damatopoulos and myself officially opened the NP Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence. I extend my gratitude on behalf of our school community to the building naming rights sponsors, Mr Spiro and Mr John Nikolakakis for their generosity and long lasting legacy which honours their parents who were passionate and committed parishioners of Sts Anargiri parish. 

An opportunity to tour our brand new facility was provided to all VIPs and indeed, all members of school and broader community on the day. It was a true community celebration with free rides and loukoumades (donuts), face painting, barbecue and a range of activities adding to the excitement for the children. Importantly, our senior students are thoroughly enjoying their new facility which provides a dedicated study space in favour of their academic progress and commitment. Aspirations like these are what drives our school forward towards preparing our precious students for life long success.

Our school’s 40th and community’s 60th anniversary celebrations continue with the sold-out Gala Ball which will be held on Saturday 27 May at Vogue Ballroom in East Burwood.  I very much look forward to joining those of you who will be attending this special occasion.  I take this opportunity to thank our Parents’ Association Co-Presidents Mr John Dellis and Mrs Maree Ziakis for their coordination of the Ball and Board Deputy Chair, Mr George Giannaros, who is also the owner of Vogue Ballroom, for his generous hospitality.

I wish to extend congratulations to Year 12 student Noah Peoples who has been successful in his application to the Harvard University Student Agencies Program. This program offers a series of engaging online lectures conducted by Harvard University, centering around a captivating project chosen by participants hailing from diverse locations across the globe. Entry into this program is an exceptional achievement for Noah, as Harvard is one of the most respected Universities world wide. 

Staff News

I wish to advise of the resignation for personal reasons of Mr Sam Gray, Humanities Teacher at the end of the term. 

We welcome the following staff to Oakleigh Grammar who have started with us this term – Ms Lekha Uniyal and Ms Sarah Molloy as Co-Educators in our Early Learning Centre and the return of Ms Helen Kennington to Administration. We look forward to Ms Sarah Boukouras joining us in June as Admissions Officer. 

Mark Robertson

Principal